Incidence and factors associated with postoperative hemodynamic change in the postanaesthetic care unit among adult surgical patients at a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND

Hemodynamic changes are independent risk factors for long-term patient morbidity and duration of hospital stay. According to the statistics, the three most prevalent complications in the postanaesthesia care unit were airway events, haemodynamic instability, and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Hemodynamic instability in the postanaesthesia care unit can result in serious complications, such as long-term patient morbidity and prolonged hospital stays. This study aimed to determine the incidence and factors associated with haemodynamic changes among adult surgical patients in the postanaesthetic care unit.

METHODS

An institution-based observational study was conducted from December 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. In addition, 409 adult surgery patients participated. We employed consecutive sampling techniques and both analytical and descriptive statistics to explain our findings. Using both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression, we evaluated the strength of the association and determined the crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant in the multivariable regression.

RESULTS

The incidence of hemodynamic instability was 53.8% (CI: 45%, 64%). The incidences of hypotension, hypertension, tachycardia, and bradycardia were 24.2%, 17.45%, 31.3%, and 12.6%, respectively. ASA class III, procedures with more than 4 instances of intraoperative haemodynamic instability and neuraxial anaesthesia were significantly associated with haemodynamic instability in the postanaesthetic care unit.

CONCLUSION

In general, 93 study subjects (22.7%) experienced advanced haemodynamic instability during the intraoperative period. This implies that the incidence of hemodynamic instability was high. Intraoperative haemodynamic instability, American Society of Anaesthesiology class III, postoperative respiratory adverse events, neurologic and gynaecological procedures, use of neuraxial anaesthesia, and prolonged duration of procedures were predictors of haemodynamic instability in the postanaesthesia care unit.